When I first saw that there would be a Rogue and Gambit comic a few months back, I didn’t know whether or not to be excited. I felt kind of like there was some emotional backpedaling going on and that they would be trying to rekindle a fan base based on nostalgia. This isn’t something I’m really against, but it also felt like an odd direction, at least for a separate title. Then I saw that Kelly Thompson would be the writer. My thoughts and feelings completely changed, which might show some narrowmindedness in my feelings, but I then knew immediately that this series could be something great.

Based on what I’ve read from Kelly in the past is that she’s full of personality and she lets that seep into her characters, which is then converted into of course, their personalities. And it’s not just these characteristics that she makes shine, but rather the dynamics between two characters. She’s good at taking the formulaic chemistry between two people and writing it out in way that we understand. And she doesn’t hold back with setting up the theme of these character’s relationships at all.

In Rogue and Gambit #1 Kitty Pryde puts the two mutants on a mission that requires them to embark on a romantic getaway with one another while they secretly investigate the disappearance of mutants on a paradise island. I really enjoy how the tension is set up early. Your typical Danger Room session (which I never tire of) ends with Gambit huskily leaned over seemingly vulnerable Rogue. This is only further exasperated by characters like Pixie, who wants to see some heat, and Psylocke who holds a furtive smile during the entire scene.

The conversations between Rogue and Gambit set up the possibility for them to actually work out their relationship issues. Of course, this being only issue #1, the setup is there, but we all know this is going to be derailed by some evil mutant kidnappers or something of that sort. It’s still nice to see how thematically, the entire story is laid out for us. I think this will be an excellent study into the complex dynamics of on-again, off-again romantic relationships, and given that this is a popular relationship between two popular characters, I think that story will be told well.

I dig the art on this book. While the cover wasn’t particularly appealing I did like the action poses it gave us. On the inside I found Pere Perez’s line work to be fantastic! Starting with the 9-panel grid, into the double page spread that gave us a pre-cursor to Rogue and Gambit’s history? I loved that. I also think Perez a great job with character anatomy. Then action, expression and explosive detail helps tell a great story. Adding D’armata’s colors in there grants a whole new level of detail that I’ve absolutely loved in this and other books alike. I think the series has a great creative team.

As I’ve stated earlier Rogue and Gambit #1 puts us off to a great start of a series that I almost would’ve passed up. I’m excited to read on. Kelly’s characterization is always a pleasure to read and I think her work is going to turn this series into something truly great. I’m looking forward to issue #2.

4.5

Sceritz

Sceritz is John B. Robinson IV and John B. Robinson IV is a cosmic blerd with a passion for a obliterating the the IVth Wall and setting free the hordes of geek and fandoms scattered throughout the multiverse in the form of rants of epic proportions. Creator of IVWall.net.